(Mohammad Masood Ahmed (2025), Would You Like To Know Something About Islam, Second Edition, Crescent Books Inc., New York, USA. Pg. 345-356)

In this article, I would like to bring my non-Muslim fellows attention to some common yet unique practices of Muslims, enabling them to comfortably interact and participate, if necessary, with Muslim friends, clients, colleagues, and neighbors.

Supplication

Whenever Muslims start to do anything, they recite:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

BISMILLAH HIR-RAHMAN NIR-RAHIM

(“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.”)

When Muslims start any action “In the name of Allah”, they naturally avoid sinful behavior. No true Muslim would dare to commit a wrongdoing by initiating it with Allah’s name. By reciting this holy verse ¹, they receive great blessings and guarantee that their work proceeds safely and smoothly. Additionally, this practice maintains Muslims' ongoing communication with the Lord.

Salutations

Muslims use proper salutations whenever they write or say the holy name of Allah, His Prophets , and His beloved saints. This practice demonstrates their importance and reflects our reverence and affection for them. Such personalities should not be addressed in the same manner as others. Some common salutations are included at the beginning of the book.

Utmost Respect For The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is far from an ordinary book; it represents the Word of Allah, containing divine laws and principles. Muslims hold the Holy Quran in the highest regard, ensuring it is stored safely and securely. The article on Sources of Knowledge delves extensively into discussions about the Holy Quran.

Greeting With “AS-SALAMU ‘ALAYKUM”

Whenever Muslims see, encounter, or hear another Muslim's voice (such as over the phone), or send greetings through others, they exchange the proper greeting of As-salamu ‘alaykum (“peace be upon you”). This is often referred to simply as Salam. The correct response is Wa-‘alaykum as-salam (and upon you be peace). While greeting with Salam is considered a Sunnah, responding to it is obligatory for all Muslims. ² Essentially, it is a supplication made to Allah for another Muslim. The person who initiates the Salam first receives more blessings than the one who responds to it. Salam fosters love and respect among Muslims.

Certainly, when Muslims pray for each other's peace, how can any hostility persist among them? The inherent strength of Salam enables Muslims to develop affection for one another, even if they are strangers meeting for the first time. Salam is not confined to morning, afternoon, or evening; it is the finest greeting and the most appropriate way to initiate a conversation at any time.

Use Of The Right Hand

In Islam, the right hand is preferred over the left. It is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet to use the right hand for eating, giving, and receiving. Although some individuals write with their left hand, there is nothing wrong with this; however, following the Sunnah can bring many blessings. Allah knows our adaptive nature and is All-Forgiving.

Sneezing

When a Muslim sneezes, they say “Al-hamdu Lillah” (all praise be to Allah), and those nearby are expected to respond with “Yarhamuku Allah” (blessings of Allah be upon you). According to tradition, when Allah breathed life into ‘Adam, he sneezed and proclaimed, "Al-hamdu Lillah,” prompting the angels to respond, “Yarhamukum Allah.” ³ Interestingly, scientific studies indicate that a person’s heart momentarily skips a beat during a sneeze. By uttering Al-hamdu Lillah, Muslims express their gratitude, acknowledging that Allah alone governs and sustains life.

Tahara (Cleanliness)

Maintaining a state of tahara (purity and cleanliness) is essential for Muslims. They are required to keep both their bodies and souls free from dirt, filth, and sin at all times. Islam provides guidance on how to achieve this state. Spiritual tahara is achieved through various obligatory practices in Islam, such as Salah (the mandatory prayers), fasting (Sawm), Zakat (mandatory charity), and Hajj. Being mindful of Allah’s commandments has the spiritual capacity to cleanse all forms of impurities from the heart. For physical tahara, water is vital, especially after urination or defecation. Muslims are encouraged to wash their private parts with water and should avoid using paper products unless absolutely necessary. As demonstrated by the Holy Prophet , it is important for Muslims to wash their hands before and after meals. The following elements are part of the tahara/cleanliness process ⁴:

• Muslim men and women are required to trim/remove the hair around their private areas and under their arms. The hair should not exceed the length of a grain of rice, which is about one-half of an inch.
• Nails require regular trimming. Moustaches should never become so long that they touch liquids while drinking.
• Muslims should maintain personal hygiene. They are encouraged to use non-alcoholic perfumes (attar/ittar) to eliminate bad odors, especially when performing obligatory prayers in congregation.
• Some contend that women are prohibited from using blades for hair removal. Depilatories, waxing, or any other method, except for metal blades, is permissible.

Ghusl (Bathing/Showering)

Ghusl refers to the bathing or showering ritual mandated in Islam. It is obligatory right after sperm ejaculation and following the end of a menstrual cycle. Ghusl is a significant ritual that should be performed promptly as soon as it is required. Muslims should avoid any activities before achieving tahara (purity).

Halal and Haram

Muslims need to understand what is classified as halal (permissible) and haram (prohibited) to engage properly with halal and steer clear of haram. Anything not specifically declared as prohibited can be considered either permitted or makruh (allowed under certain conditions but generally disapproved). Individual Muslims lack the authority to determine what is prohibited or permitted since Allah and His Holy Prophet have clearly delineated these distinctions.

For example, Muslims are allowed to consume only specific animals, which must undergo a special slaughtering process known as Zabiha. This involves cutting the neck halfway while ensuring the jugular vein is included, accompanied by the invocation of Allah’s name, followed by letting the blood drain completely. Additionally, practices such as pork consumption, alcoholic drinks, extramarital affairs, obscenity, prostitution, cursing, shamelessness, nudity, and gambling are strictly forbidden, alongside theft, dishonesty, and deception.

Sins of this kind incur serious consequences in this life, and their repercussions carry on into the Hereafter if not genuinely and properly repented. It is strictly forbidden to engage in activities such as viewing videos with nudity, reading pornographic material, and consuming alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants. A crucial point to remember is that when Muslims participate in sinful behaviors, their Iman (faith) is temporarily suspended until the wrongdoing concludes ⁵. Devout Muslims must not take these prohibitions lightly and should avoid all forbidden actions.

Nikah (Marriage)

Nikah is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet . This is the sole lawful method for a man and a woman to be recognized as husband and wife. This binding contract between them ensures their relationship is valid and permissible. Only through this agreement can they start to have children and create a legitimate family unit.

Marriage Between First Cousins

In the United States and Western countries, marrying one's first cousin is rare for several reasons. The Holy Quran explicitly outlines prohibited marriage partners, and first cousins are not mentioned in that list. A significant number of Muslims do marry their first cousins, and in fact, Islam encourages selecting a life partner from close relatives. ⁶

Talaq

Talaq, widely referred to as “divorce,” is viewed as a distressing and undesirable occurrence in Islam, recommended only in dire situations. It brings an end to the marital bond formed through Nikah. Additionally, Talaq is highly condemned by Allah, and its occurrence is said to reverberate through the very foundations of the earth and sky. This matter holds great delicacy in Islam, requiring every married Muslim to have a thorough understanding of its subtleties. Therefore, a husband must use the word(s) of Talaq carefully and in alignment with Islamic Shariah.

Naming Good Names

Muslim parents seek meaningful names for their children. Good names can have a beneficial impact on children's personalities. ⁷ This is why parents often select names of esteemed spiritual figures. Ultimately, it is essential to choose names that encourage a child’s moral development.

Names For New Muslims:

When an individual converts to Islam, they attain a sense of divine peace. As their understanding deepens, they embark on a path toward ultimate success—the pleasure of Allah. Typically, this sacred journey begins by adopting a Muslim name, particularly one that reflects the attributes of Allah. The name one chooses in this life will be the one used on Judgment Day. Therefore, selecting a name that signifies a connection to Islam is preferable, although it is not mandatory.

Muslim Character

Authentic Muslims demonstrate outstanding character and behavior, reflecting the Holy Prophet's teachings. Islam instructs Muslims to demonstrate respect and hospitality, particularly towards parents, relatives, and neighbors. They should steer clear of grudges and genuinely accept and apologize for their mistakes, fostering hearts free from hatred and jealousy. Islam emphasizes the importance of respecting elders, treating peers fairly, and showing kindness to younger individuals. Mentors and teachers are always entitled to respectful behavior from their Muslim students.

Strangers, travelers, and the needy should be treated with the same care as one would treat family. Allah rewards those who swiftly offer aid to others, regardless of a request for help. Muslims readily lend a hand without hesitation, second thoughts, or weighing costs and benefits. They deeply understand that Allah is aware of one’s innermost thoughts and intentions. The Holy Prophet said, “Be truthful, even if it hurts you.” ⁸

Restrooms/Bathrooms

Muslims are prohibited from urinating while standing.⁹ They should exercise great caution to prevent urine from touching their body or clothing, which is essential for maintaining tahara (cleanliness). It's advisable not to linger unnecessarily in restrooms, to remain silent while inside, and to avoid bringing any (religious) literature into bathrooms.

Muslim Attire

Islam does not specify exact clothing for Muslims, but it does mandate that both men and women dress modestly and adequately cover their bodies. The guidelines for women's attire are outlined in Chapter 16. Muslim men are required to cover themselves from the waist down to just below the knees (navel to knees). During Salah (obligatory prayer), men need to dress modestly, unless in extreme situations. It is considered a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet to cover the head (with coverings such as taqiya /kufi /topi). Although maintaining a beard is not compulsory, it is highly recommended and aligns with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet . Imams and other religious leaders typically grow beards as standard practice. Some scholars support wearing a tie and recommend loose-fitting clothing for comfort during Salah. Any form of nudity is strongly discouraged, viewed as sinful, and prohibited. Deliberately attempting to resemble the opposite gender through attire, makeup, hairstyle, or behaviors is sinful and strictly forbidden. Islam teaches that clothing is a reflection of one’s character and faith, impacting their dignity and respect within society; therefore, Muslims should remain conscious of this fact.

Nakedness

Visiting public baths and swimming pools where individuals are fully or partially exposed is considered sinful. Intentionally revealing one’s private areas is strongly discouraged and forbidden. Additionally, Muslim patients and doctors should maintain as much modesty as feasible during physical examinations. Anything Muslims are forbidden to view in person should also not be seen on television or through any other means.

Circumcision

Islam mandates the circumcision of all Muslim boys (ideally before the age of puberty), as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim . Modern science acknowledges the many advantages of circumcision. Circumcision (Khatna) is considered part of the natural disposition (fitrah) and is recommended in Islam for new converts. However, it is not a condition for accepting Islam. Therefore, an adult male converting to Islam is not required to undergo circumcision immediately or at all, especially if there are health concerns or personal difficulties. While circumcision is ideally performed before puberty, its importance remains for adults as well in many Islamic legal schools. If a convert chooses to undergo the procedure, it should be done professionally by a qualified medical practitioner. Since Islam emphasizes modesty and prohibits exposing the private parts (awrah) to others unnecessarily, post-operative care can be assisted by one’s wife if needed. Nonetheless, Islamic Shariah permits him to choose to remain uncircumcised.

Aqiqah

Aqiqah refers to the sacrifice of an animal in celebration of a child's birth. Following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet , this ritual is typically held on the seventh day after the child’s arrival, serving as an expression of gratitude to Allah for His blessings. The meat from the sacrificed animal(s) is shared with relatives and the needy, while the family also enjoys it during the celebration. The child’s head gets shaved for the first time at Aqiqah.

Sadaqah (Charity)

Sadaqah is a form of voluntary charity, in addition to the required Zakat that Muslims are encouraged to offer for the sake of Allah. Those who believe they have erred or that Allah may be displeased often give Sadaqah as a means of repentance to assist deserving Muslims and simply seek Allah’s pleasure.

Allah demonstrates His displeasure with Muslims through the suffering resulting from their sinful behaviors. Furthermore, this cleanses them and protects them from everlasting punishment. In response to pain, illness, and suffering, Muslims donate money and other valuables as sadaqah to improve their circumstances.

The fundamental idea behind donating money to the needy and for the sake of Allah is that increased generosity leads to greater purification of the donor. As Muslims grow purer, they experience fewer life challenges and difficulties. This practice undoubtedly brings them closer to their ultimate success. However, no matter how much wealth is given, it remains insignificant compared to the immense rewards of the Hereafter.

Sadaqah Jariyah (Perpetual Charity)

Sadaqah Jariyah refers to any good deed or contribution a Muslim leaves behind for the sake of Allah. This includes raising righteous Muslim children, engaging in social services, providing funds for charitable purposes, distributing Islamic literature, or creating anything that benefits humanity. Sadaqah Jariyah ensures ongoing rewards even after one's death. For those who engage in Sadaqah Jariyah, their Roster of Deeds continues to grow with rewarding acts until Judgment Day.

Janazah/Muslim Burial

Islam mandates that the deceased be buried promptly after death. Methods such as burning, cremating, embalming, or any other techniques employed to dispose of or preserve the body are strictly prohibited in Islam.

A deceased body must undergo ghusl (ritual washing) and then be wrapped in unstitched white cotton sheets. It is strongly advised that the deceased's closest relatives perform the ghusl, as this practice brings countless blessings to both parties. During the washing, the private parts of the body must remain covered. If the deceased is a woman, no males, including her husband, father, brother, or son, are allowed to view her body. Only females are permitted to assist in performing ghusl for a female body.

After performing ghusl, the Janazah Salah (funeral prayer) should be conducted in congregation prior to burial. The deceased are buried at a depth of about six to eight feet. Muslim burial practices are both holy and simple. Muslims visit the graves of their loved ones to pray for their forgiveness from Allah. Additionally, regular visits to graveyards are encouraged to remind Muslims that they will also face death one day. Some scholars prohibit women from visiting graveyards, while others allow it under specific guidelines.

Since the deceased can hear, it is strongly recommended to recite the Holy Quran in their presence ¹⁰. However, excessive and loud crying is discouraged. Typically, the official mourning period is three days, except for a widow, who grieves the loss of her husband (al-‘iddah) for four months and ten days. The deceased should be buried promptly; Muslims must accompany the Janazah to the burial site and perform the rites carefully. Upon receiving news of a death, Muslims say:

“INNA LILLAHI, WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI’UN”

(“Verily, we belong to Allah, and verily to Allah is our return.”)

Al -‘Iddah

The official mourning period for the deceased's family generally lasts three days, except for a widow. For women who have been “completely” divorced and for women whose husbands passed away, the mourning/waiting period (al-iddah) extends to four months and ten days before they can remarry. It's essential to consider various rules in Islamic Shari’ah related to talaq (divorce) and al-iddah to understand each individual’s circumstances.

Al-Khula

A Muslim woman (wife) has the right to seek a divorce from her husband if she does not wish to continue the matrimonial contract (Nikah). The Khula permits a Muslim woman to initiate the divorce process through a Mufti (Islamic Jurist) or the court of law. Please note that she is still required to observe the required waiting period (al-iddah) after Khula.

The Islamic Calendar (Hijri Calendar)

The Hijri Calendar (Islamic Calendar) is a lunar-based calendar. The first year (denoted as 1 AH/H) of the Hijri Calendar begins with the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah. There are 12 lunar months in a year, each lasting 29 or 30 days. The beginning of each month is based on the sighting of the new moon, crescent. Muslims are recommended to look for the new moon on the 29th day of the month after Maghrib (sunset). If the moon is sighted, the new month begins the following day. If the moon is not sighted on the 29th, for instance, due to unfavorable weather conditions, then the 30th day is completed before starting a new month ¹¹. Usually, Islamic authorities and organizations announce the moon-sighting and establish the beginning of a new month. The 12 months of the Hijri Calendar are:

1. Muharram Al-Haram
2. Safar Al-Muzaffar
3. Rabi Al-Awwal
4. Rabi ath-Thani
5. Jumada Al-Awwal
6. Jumada ath-Thani
7. Rajab Al-Murajjab
8. Sha’ban Al-Mu’azzam
9. Ramadan Al-Mubarak
10. Shawwal Al-Mukarram
11. Dhu Al-Qa’dah
12. Dhu Al-Hijjah

The first day of Muharram signals the start of the new Islamic year. Ashura, falling on the tenth day of Muharram, holds great importance in human history and witnesses numerous significant events:

1. Allah granted forgiveness to Adam for his repentance.
2. Allah protected Nuh (Noah) and his followers in the ark.
3. Allah extinguished the fire turning into a flower bed in which Ibrahim was cast by Numrud (Nimrod).
4. Allah healed Ayub (Job) from his skin affliction.
5. Allah reunited Yusuf (Joseph) with his father Yaqub (Jacob) .
6. Allah took Yunus (Jonah) out of the belly of the fish.
7. Allah spoke to Musa and gave him the 10 Commandments. On this same day in an earlier year, Musa parted the sea and delivered the Bani-Isra’il from captivity, while Allah destroyed the pharaoh and his army.
8. Allah forgave Dawud (David) .
9. Allah restored Sulayman (Solomon) to his throne.
10. Allah raised Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus) to the heavens.
11. Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Husayn , his family and Companions, a total of 72, were martyred by the army of Yazid at Karbala, present day Iraq.
12. It is reported that Yawm al-Qiyamah (Doomsday) will occur on the tenth of Muharram (Ashura) as well ¹².

The Holy Prophet observed Sawm (fasting) on the sacred day of Ashura, a practice that many Muslims still observe. The night of Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj, celebrated on the 27th of Rajab, marks the moment when Prophet Muhammad traveled from Makkah to Al-Aqsa in Al-Quds and then to the Heavens at Allah’s command. In accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet , Sha’ban was his preferred month, during which he prepared for the upcoming month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting for the entire month. On the 27th night of Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr – the Night of Power), the first five verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed, and Muslims honor this night with worship throughout the night.

Hajj begins on the eighth day of the twelfth month. On Dhu al-Hijjah's ninth day, known as the Yawm ‘Arafah (Day of Arafah) during Hajj, the Holy Prophet delivered his Last Sermon to the ummah in the presence of 124,000 Sahaba (Companions of the Holy Prophet ) gathered before him.

Two Eids (celebrations) are celebrated by Muslims:

1. Eid-ul-Fitr – on the 1st of Shawwal – celebrates the end of Ramadan.
2. Eid-ul-Adha – 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah – When each capable Muslim family performs animal sacrifice, they commemorate and emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s offering of his son Isma’il . Allah accepted Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and substituted Isma’il (Ishmael) with a lamb. Later, this animal sacrifice became a Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad , which Muslims follow all over the world. The meat from the sacrificed animal is shared with the poor and enjoyed by family and friends

Note:

Eid al-Milad an-Nabi (Mawlid an-Nabi ) is celebrated by the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah to honor the Holy Prophet’s birth on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal. This observance is not obligatory; rather, it reflects love for the blessed Holy Prophet . Although some consider this celebration an innovation, others view it as commendable. The Holy Prophet fasted on Mondays, and when asked by Companions why, He explained, “Monday is the day I was born.” ¹³ Many verses in the Holy Quran also provide the basis for this Mawlid an-Nabi observance.

• ¹  Holy Quran, An-Naml, 27: 30
• ²  Holy Quran, An-Nisa, 4: 86
• ³  Abu Dawud
• ⁴  “Bahar al-Shari‘ah”
• ⁵  Mishkat
• ⁶  al-Bukhari
• ⁷  Holy Quran, Al-Hujurat, Quran 49: 11
• ⁸  Abu Dawud
• ⁹  at-Tirmidhi
• ¹⁰  Abu Dawud
• ¹¹  Al-Bukhari
• ¹²  Mishkat
• ¹³  Sahih Muslim 1162b